SortingBeans

So, my wife, Jamey, went up to the church this morning to hang out with the women’s ministry in their cake/cookie decorating class. This is a cool thing, because she needs to get away from the children and do something away from home – without us!

Here’s the deal, I hang out with our daughters and get some homework done before I have to be at the church band practice at 1pm. So, I pull out the laptop and start to get ready to do some homework. Right about this time, Samantha, my oldest (4 yrs old), says, “Daddy, would you play with me?” I give a sigh (because I still have to find some time before Tuesday to get my final paper done, I’ve never taken this long in finishing homework), and tell her “in a little bit”.

See, this does not suffice for little children. “A little bit” to them means about 30 seconds. My daughter then proceeds to inquire, again, of my participation in putting a simple puzzle together. So, I put the laptop down and help her put a puzzle together. Just when I thought I was finished, I was asked to play dog. This is when we walk around on all fours and speak in dog language with each other. Yes, I crawl around on the floor and bark like a dog, and sometimes get rode.

Sometimes I get caught up between responsibility and recreation. I have responsibilities I must attend to, like school work. There are times when I have to tell my children that “daddy can’t play right now.” Other times, I put the books down (or whatever it is) and have a blast with my children. Then, there are times when I see the broader picture; which is, there are times when there is no distinction between responsibility and recreation.

Children don’t understand the importance of responsibility and adults, more too often, don’t understand the importance of recreation. When the two can unite, it is a beautiful thing. Before long, my children will be too big for be to play dog with them, and I will no longer be able to give them doggy or horsey rides on my back.

So, this morning, I decided to do the responsible thing; that is, to not do my homework and play with my children. God will take care of the rest. He will provide a time for me during the rest of the weekend to finish my homework. It might be later on tonight, it might be tomorrow afternoon, and, yes, it might be 1am in the morning. Whatever opportunity He provides, I will gladly receive.

Sometimes sacrifice is more than merely giving something up. Far too often we view it as putting ourselves to the side for the benefit of others. But remember, when we let go, our hands are now open and available to receive something else.

So, not only do I sacrifice, but upgrade to a much greater blessing: the love of my children.